The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting a familiar face back on the blue line Tuesday night, as Simon Benoit returns to the lineup against the Florida Panthers - the very team that ended Toronto’s playoff run earlier this year.
Benoit was away from the team over the weekend to attend a funeral, missing Saturday’s game, but rejoined the group at practice Monday. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed he’ll slot back in against Florida, with Dakota Mermis stepping out as the lone lineup change. And with how the Leafs looked in their last outing, it’s no surprise Berube is keeping things mostly intact.
Toronto exploded for seven goals - from seven different players - in a 7-2 rout of the Pittsburgh Penguins. That kind of offensive depth is exactly what this team has been looking for after a sluggish start to the season.
Easton Cowan continues to make the most of his top-six opportunity, sticking alongside veterans John Tavares and William Nylander. Meanwhile, Max Domi is getting another look next to Auston Matthews after a two-assist performance that showed real chemistry with the Leafs’ top center.
But while there’s some positive momentum on the ice, the Leafs got a couple of tough updates on the injury front. Defenseman Brandon Carlo, who’s been out since suffering a lower-body injury against the Kings on November 13, has reportedly had a setback.
Berube said surgery is now “probably” on the table. That’s a significant blow for Toronto’s blue line - Carlo was a major deadline acquisition, costing the Leafs a first-round pick and promising forward Fraser Minten.
In net, Anthony Stolarz remains sidelined with what Berube described as “no real improvement.” The veteran goaltender had struggled early this season, and while the team would love to have him back healthy, the extended time off might not be the worst thing. Rookie Dennis Hildeby has shown flashes of real promise, and if he can continue to hold his own, it gives the Leafs a bit of breathing room in goal.
Toronto’s road trip wraps up later this week with a visit to Carolina on Thursday, but first comes a measuring-stick game against the Panthers - a team that’s become something of a playoff nemesis. With Benoit back, the offense clicking, and a chance to keep building momentum, the Leafs have an opportunity to start turning the corner on what’s been an uneven start to the year.